The US government launched a series of workshops across Pakistan on Monday to help increase Pakistan’s agricultural exports. The workshops will bring together Pakistani government representatives, private businessmen and farmers to discuss international standards for agricultural exports and identify ways for improved manufacturing, processing and packaging of agricultural goods for international markets. These two-day workshops will take place in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta, says a press release.
“Pakistan’s share in the world’s agricultural and food exports depends on its ability to increase agricultural productivity, to identify strategic market opportunities, and to compete with other suppliers,” said Dr Andrew Sisson, the director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Pakistan. “The U.S. Government is committed to working with the people and government of Pakistan to unleash Pakistan’s potential for agricultural export growth.” Pakistan Agriculture Research Council Senior Director Dr Azeem Khan, Trade Development Council of Pakistan Director Omar Hameed and LKMR Technology Consulting General Manager Haroon Sharif of also spoke at the opening of the Islamabad workshop.
Nearly two-thirds of Pakistan’s population is directly or indirectly linked with agriculture for their livelihood. However, this sector currently accounts only for 21 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Similarly, agricultural exports constitute less than 18 percent of the country’s total exports. Pakistan’s share in the top five import markets for agricultural goods constitutes only 0.1 percent of these markets. These statistics suggest a tremendous potential for growth, both in the agricultural production and in exports.